Bacon sizzling in the pan. The soft cackling of freshly cracked eggs. The soft popping sound of toast jumping out the toaster. Fresh orange juice sitting in the pitcher on the dining room table.
Sounds like a typical American breakfast. And let's be honest; who doesn't love breakfast?
*looks around nervously*
Okay, okay, so I've never been a big breakfast person. Maybe because once I reached middle school, I stopped eating it as consistently and learned to function without food on my stomach first thing in the morning. Even now, sometimes, eating breakfast is not a high priority for myself, especially when I have to sing at church on Sunday mornings (oh yeah, fun fact - I'm a singer/songwriter too).
However, as I got older, I discovered the importance and benefits of eating a healthy, hearty breakfast. Most days now, I simply eat scrambled eggs and turkey sausage or turkey bacon, but when I have time, I do like to get into the kitchen and try something different. Now, personally, I think I enjoy breakfast foods more when it's time for brunch, but I have no problem with breakfast overall.
When I think about breakfast, my regular meal choice is a few scrambled eggs and some turkey bacon or turkey sausage. Very rarely do I eat toast or anything heavy in carbs during the week. But sometimes, if I have a little bit of time in the morning (which usually means waking up at about 5 a.m.), I'll try something a little bit more adventurous, like making omelettes or trying to create pancakes (not exactly a master at that yet though). However, breakfast is still an area that I am learning to grow and develop in.
Everybody is different in what they like or want/need to eat. For me, I find that when I DO eat breakfast, a high protein breakfast works best for me. Protein takes longer to break down in my system, so it keeps me full for longer during the work day and I'm not weak and craving my lunch before noon. Eating any types of carbs in the morning only makes me want more carbs later. Same with high-processed sugars, so donuts and bagels don't do anything but remind me how hungry I really am. I also find that eating foods high in healthy fats, like avocados, also does my body and hunger some good.
I will admit, though, there are times when I am rushing in the morning and don't feel like standing too long to cook, so I'll sometimes (depending on how it's cooked) chew on something left over from last night (usually like some chicken or something like that). But that's not too often I do that.
Another option I was big on in the mornings, especially when I was a news reporter, was making smoothies. Now I loved creating smoothies, because they were a great way to sneak fruits and vegetables into my diet on a regular basis, especially spinach. Maybe I need to get back into that. I also did make my own healthier breakfast sandwiches that actually came out really good. The key for me has always been finding something quick and easy, but also something I can freeze or store for a longer period of time.
Again, everyone is different in how they approach breakfast. I like to keep it simple during the week and branch out during the weekends.
We About The Love of Breakfast, so please pass the bacon.
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